Tip Top Thomas breaks track record in Indiana Derby

Tip Top Thomas gave indications of being a potentially useful horse when finishing a clear second to Chancer McPatrick in the Champagne (G1) last October in his second-lifetime start. On Saturday, that early promise manifested itself when the son of Volatile proved a game-winner of the $300,000 Indiana Derby (G3) and, in the process, set a new track record for 1 1/16 miles at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

A pressing second behind longshot Master Contender through the opening quarter-mile, Tip Top Thomas poked his head in front at the half-mile marker and then held sway through the final 4 1/2 furlongs of the Indiana Derby. Turning back a challenge from Coal Battle in the stretch, Tip Top Thomas prevailed by a half-length while giving jockey John Velazquez his third stakes win on the card.

Tip Top Thomas completed the fast-track test in 1:41.15, narrowly eclipsing the 14-year-old mark of 1:41.19. He paid $7.40 as the third choice in a field of seven three-year-olds.

Coal Battle finished second by three parts of a length over 59-1 outsider Brotha Kenny. Publisher, Instant Replay, 2-1 favorite Big Truzz, and Master Controller completed the order of finish.

Owned by James Bakke and Gerald Isbister, Tip Top Thomas is trained by Todd Pletcher. The Indiana Derby was the third win in five starts for the Kentucky-bred, who preceded this start with a 3 1/4-length, entry-level allowance win at Aqueduct over one mile.